Doug Watercott, a long-time youth pastor at Mary of the Visitation church, will be retiring from his ministry position later this month. Watercott has been serving the youth at Mary of the Visitation for 17 years and has impacted many students’ lives in that time. 

Years as a Youth Pastor

Watercott said he never imagined he would dedicate so much of his life to youth ministry. But when he was laid off more than a decade ago at the cabinet shop where he worked, he stepped into his church and the role of a youth pastor.

After a year as a youth pastor, Watercott said he was ready to quit. He felt as though it wasn’t the right role for him. But just as he was planning to quit, he got an email from one of his students. The student wanted to let him know how much he appreciated Watercott and the youth program. Watercott saw that he was getting through to the kids, and he decided to stay.

Watercott said there will be a lot of things he will miss from his many years in his role. He said one of his favorite things is when he sees the light bulb turn on for a student, when everything clicks for them. Some of his other favorite memories include taking numerous missions trips, producing a CD with some musical students, and performing skits both at Mary of the Visitation and at churches around the state. 

Watercott also got the opportunity to work closely with other youth pastors in the area to reach out to as many students as possible.

Watercott said that he has been, “blessed many times over” by the students with whom he’s worked. 

Decision to Retire

Watercott decided to retire so he could focus his attention on his family, namely his four grandchildren, his bus driving, and his cabinet business. 

“Bus driving and making cabinets will be my new ministry,” Watercott said. He plans to focus more on his two jobs and the relationships with his students on the bus.

Future of the Youth Ministry

Watercott said the future of youth ministry at Mary of the Visitation is in very good hands. A former student of his, Nick Radunz, will be taking Watercott’s position as youth minister, and has been working with the students all summer in preparation. 

Radunz joined youth group in high school because his high school girlfriend, Morgan, was in the group, and he wanted to spend time with her. But aside from getting to spend time with his sweetheart, Radunz found that he really enjoyed being a part of the group. After high school, Nick and Morgan, attending separate colleges, would call each other every night and say evening prayers together before bed. Later, Nick underwent the rite of Christian initiation for adults to become Catholic.

Today, Nick and Morgan Radunz are married and recently welcomed their first child into the world. 

Watercott is completely confident Nick will do an excellent job. As Watercott has recently turned 60, he said he was sure someone younger could bring a lot of energy to the group.

Retirement Party

Watercott’s retirement party will be tomorrow, Sunday, August 7, after the 10:30 a.m. mass in Becker. While not one for the spotlight, Watercott says he is excited to see some of his former students who have grown up and get the opportunity to catch up with them. 

Anyone whose life was impacted by Watercott is invited to attend and wish him well with his future endeavors. 

Doug is married (Christina) and has 4 children (Brandy, Brett, Tiffany and Robbie. Doug’s grandchildren are Sierra, Owen, Ava and Maverick.